Follow the Thunder
Follow the Thunder is the searingly honest autobiography of former Premier League star and record-breaking wonder kid Jason Dozzell, who later faced the consequences of a chaotic life off the field.
In February 1984, Jason netted on his debut for hometown club Ipswich Town, at the age of 16 years and 57 days, to become the youngest goalscorer in English top-flight history. It's a record that still stands.
He went on to secure legendary status at his beloved Blues and subsequently made a big-money move to Spurs. Life off the field, however, was always chaotic.
In 2019, following a 'slow descent to a dark place', Jason was convicted of driving under the influence of cocaine. Class A drugs, which had once been consumed for fun, were now being used to take the edge off constant panic attacks and paranoia. A candid interview about his mental-health issues proved a major turning point. It was, he finally realised, good to talk. The last five years have been a journey of self-reflection. This book is his therapy.
Jason Dozzell has collaborated with Stuart Watson to write his life story. Stuart has been the chief football writer at the East Anglian Daily Times, covering Ipswich Town home and away, since 2011. He has been shortlisted for Sports Journalist of the Year at the 2024 Regional Press Awards. This is his first published book.